BeaversEdge Top 20 for 2017: No. 8 Artavis Pierce
In the month of July, BeaversEdge.com is counting down the top 20 Oregon State football players on the 2017 roster.
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No. 8 - Artavis Pierce
Bio
5-foot-11, 203-pounds
Running Back
Sophomore
Lake Alfred, Fla.
Auburndale H.S.
2016 stats: 11 GP (1 start) 98 rush att, 523 yds, 4 TD ... 21 rec, 132 yds, 1 TD
2016 Recap
Pierce burst onto the scene for the Beavers practically out of nowhere. His 2016 breakout was a feel-good story for the Beavers, who had an up and down season. Pierce was the first freshman to get his “helmet sticker” removed in fall camp last year, signifying his maturity and impressive work ethic and football IQ. He translated the work ethic to games right away as the coaching staff used him as a complement to Ryan Nall. When Nall was injured, Pierce did a nice job of being the featured back as well. He had a terrific rookie campaign and showed flashes of greatness for the Beavers.
2017 Recap
Several months ago I would have said that Pierce was set to be the No. 2 running back for the Beavers. However, in the offseason the Beavers added grad-transfer Trevorris Johnson from TCU and former five-star recruit Thomas Tyner. Now that backfield is a little crowded. Pierce has the edge on all of these guys because he’s been in the system for a full year, but Johnson and Tyner are big time players who didn’t come to OSU to sit on the pine. Pierce is going to have to play big-time football in ‘17 to fend off Tyner and Johnson.
Greaves' take on Pierce
Marcus Greaves will provide analysis for each player in the BeaversEdge Top 20 for 2017. Greaves played for Oregon State from 2014-2017 and joined the BeaversEdge.com staff as a football analyst.
AP showed his ability to break tackles and perform when his number was called. He played a big role in the Civil war victory and had a very successful freshman campaign. 2017 will be very interesting to watch unfold in the Beavers' backfield. With Tyner and Johnson fighting for the number two spot as well, it will be an intriguing battle to see if AP will get as many touches as he did the season before.